New York City Excursion

Yesterday we had the tremendous privilege of touring and singing in New York City. Since "a picture's worth a thousand words," I couldn't help but post an abnormally long picture journal of our day.

The first challenge of the day was parallel parking the bus. We're not even sure how he did it, but Dad sure is a good bus driver to have parked where he did. Thankfully we were able to make the rest of our tour on foot so the bus didn't have to be moved.

Pastor Ron of Living Waters Fellowship in Brooklyn was our personal tour guide. He knew exactly where he was going and we just tried to keep up. Thanks, Ron!

The New York City skyline from the tram station.

Our first ride was on a tram.

Even though there are plenty of traffic lights, police officers still control much of the large intersection traffic. They can tell you to go on red and stop on green. Not sure we midwesterners could get used to that.

Open air seafood market. Not a pretty smell.

Little Italy

NYC parking...anyone know how these cars get down?!?

We were slightly afraid this is what our bus would look like by the time we drove away!

Fruit market outside Starbucks

Riding the subway--our first experience.

Next stop...Brooklyn Bridge

Since the huge decision of the bank bailout was going on, there were people, media and protesters swarming Wall Street.

As we were standing on Wall Street, with media crews and crowds swarming, the notes of The Battle Hymn of the Republic suddenly started floating over the noise. This gentleman sat down on the stairs and the crisp notes of his song brought a timely reminder of the godly heritage of our country.

Trinity Chapel, the church where George Washington attended, and many others of notoriety visited.

"On this spot stood Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, on the occasion of her gracious visit 9 July, 1976. His Royal Highness the Prince Philip stood nearby."

The New York Stock Exchange, proudly displaying Old Glory.

These officers were standing on a corner of Wall Street and we were told officers like these have stood at this place continually since September 11th, 2001

Shoe shiners

Ron tells us the history of the Trinity Chapel.

The Trinity Chapel Graveyard, a surprising area of peace and rest in the middle of the city.

Ground Zero

This several story-size sign gives those who walk by a vision and hope for the reconstructing of the Twin Towers.

Buildings next to Ground Zero are still being reconstructed. The mass amount of wreckage in such a small place is almost unbelievable.

Learning facts about 9-11

A hotdog vendor walking the construction site along Ground Zero.

Looking out over the bay at the Statue of Liberty

This costumed man was posing to take pictures with tourists. He was a little scary looking.

Does this seem like an oxymoron to anyone else?!? Do millionaires need bargains?

Off to the next stop...

This lady was playing the saw in the subway terminal. We could hear her eerie music down several stories!

Amidst the flurry and bustle on Times Square.

After our long day in the city, we returned to the church in Brooklyn to sing. We had a good service, and especially enjoyed seeing our 'sister' Stacy Molai, who came from Long Island to see us! It was a satisfying end to a busy day!

God bless America, land that I love!


"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD..."
Psalm 33:12

Guess Where We Are?!

Extra Blessings

When we were singing in Pennsylvania on Sunday evening, we were surprised and honored when a member of the congregation and friend, Ray, came into the church and presented each of us girls with a bouquet of roses! It was a very thoughtful gesture, and made our night more special. Thanks, Ray!

Tonight before singing in Sutton, Vermont, the church provided us with a meal and as we were going out to the bus to get ready to sing, the church ladies provided us with bags and bags of groceries! We were touched by their thoughtfulness and the effort they put into providing us with more than just a meal for the evening. Our cupboards are brimming to overflowing! Thanks, Sutton Baptist!



"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." Psalm 28:7

Rained Out

We almost got to sing on Thursday night at the Ephrata Fair in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. It was an outdoor concert, and we had heard that rain was coming, but we thought it might hold out for us! We were scheduled to sing at 7:00 so we set up and were getting dressed in the bus when it started raining.

A heavy quilt kept our products protected until we could get them torn down.

Hurry, hurry!

Our close friends, Crit and Leona Smucker had come for the concert and ended up helping us get packed up. Leona capably manned the dolly.

Packing everything away.

After we were all packed up, a group of men who work for Teen Challenge asked if they could pray for us.

Although we were disappointed that we didn't get to sing, we enjoyed spending our evening in the Smucker's cozy house with food, hot drinks and some very lively conversation.



"He gives rain on the earth and sends water on the fields." Job 5:10

Our home away from home...

Being on a 6-week tour of the eastern states (particularly Pennsylvania), we have been blessed to have all of our needs met.

Elmer & Ellen Martin let us park our bus next to their shed. Home sweet home.

Elva Stauffer has been very gracious in letting us take over her house while we're here! It's so nice to be able to get out and have a little extra space.

Where our bus is parked overlooks this picture-perfect scene.

Produce stand, overflowing with flowers!

We have a washer and dryer available to us all the time!

Having some extra space and a consistent place to park the bus has afforded the kids the rare opportunity of regular school hours.

We praise God that He is always looking out for our needs, even down to the tiniest details such as scenery and laundry facilities. We are blessed!